Screening and Testing for Breast Conditions

Doctors use physical examinations and imaging studies to locate and
diagnose breast abnormalities. To learn more about your condition, a
physician may:

Feel the characteristics of a suspected lump (texture, size, and relationship to the skin and chest muscles)

Look for changes in the nipples or the skin of the breast

Check lymph nodes under the arm and above the collarbones

Request imaging tests, including diagnostic mammography to look for
masses and calcifications, or breast ultrasound to further evaluate
information

Request a microscopic examination of any discharge other than breast milk from the nipples

Request a ductogram x-ray of the nipples if there is discharge

Request a biopsy of tissue removed from the suspicious area

Since imaging tests cannot always tell whether a lump is benign or
cancerous, a biopsy may be used to remove cells for diagnosis. These
include:

Fine needle aspiration: A very fine needle is guided into the suspicious area and a small sample of the tissue is removed.

Core needle biopsy: A larger needle is guided into the lump to remove a small cylinder of tissue.

Surgical biopsy: This surgical procedure is used to remove all or part of a lump.

To encourage women within the community to receive regular mammography screenings, we also provide a Mobile Mammography Unit offering the latest screening equipment and technology, delivered right to your company or retirement community’s door.